Justice News

Former Dance Moms Star Sentenced to Prison, Fined for Hiding Assets and Illegally Transporting Foreign Currency into the U.S.

PITTSBURGH - Reality television performer Abigale Lee Miller has been sentenced in federal court to one year and a day incarceration on her conviction of concealing assets from the bankruptcy court, and one count of failing to report an international currency transaction, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today. In addition, the court imposed two years’ supervised release, a $120,000 money judgement and a $40,000 fine.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Miller, 51.

According to the information presented to the court, in 2010 Miller filed a Petition in bankruptcy seeking to reorganize debts from the operation of the Abby Lee Miller Dance Studio. The court was advised that during the bankruptcy case, Miller failed to disclose to the bankruptcy court revenue she earned from the sale of merchandise and ticket sales at Master Class dance sessions she hosted in cities in the U.S. in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, Miller failed to report to customs officials that she transported in excess of $10,000 in foreign currency from Australia into the United States in the summer of 2014, totaling approximately $120,000.

“This defendant secreted and structured profits that she derived outside the United States from performances by children,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Song. “Failing to disclose profits both in federal court and upon entry into the United States undermines our justice system and the integrity of our borders.”

"Federal bankruptcy proceedings can be a lifesaver for honest individuals overwhelmed by debt resulting from any number of legitimate reasons. Those who abuse the bankruptcy process by committing fraud threaten the integrity of the entire system. Bankruptcy fraud not only impacts creditors like businesses and financial institutions, it can also result in higher loan fees and higher taxes for everyone," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Pittsburgh Division. "That is why we continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to thoroughly investigate allegations of bankruptcy fraud and hold those who commit it accountable."

“As part of a bankruptcy fraud task force, the US Postal Inspection Service will continue to pursue those who defraud creditors and attempt to shield assets from the bankruptcy court,” stated Tommy D. Coke, US Postal Inspector in Charge of the Pittsburgh Division.

“Today’s sentence demonstrates that our judicial system truly is ‘Justice for All.’ Those who manipulate the bankruptcy process, the tax system, and laws of our country, regardless of their social status, will be pursued and held accountable for their actions,” said Greg Floyd, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office.

“HSI special agents remain vigilant against those who would knowingly attempt to circumvent United States law at and beyond our borders. When individuals lie on travel documents, our nation’s border controls and the integrity of our financial system are severely undermined, thus placing the security of our nation at risk,” said Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia. “We are proud to have contributed to this investigation along with our other federal law enforcement partners.”

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Trustee, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE)/Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Abigale Lee Miller.